Nelson Harris - The Roanoke Valley in the 1940s

Acknowledgments

This work is based on my reading every edition of the Roanoke Timesfrom January 1, 1940, to January 1, 1950. Therefore, my primary recognition must be to that newspaper and the historical record it provided.

With every book I write, I am reminded of the outstanding community of librarians, archivists, volunteers, organizations, and individuals who commit themselves personally and professionally to preserving and documenting our regions history. Without them, this book would not have been possible. Thus, it is an honor for me to give them recognition here, though I wish I could do more to thank them for their work, cooperation, encouragement, and collaboration.

First and foremost, I am grateful to Sheila Umberger, director of Roanoke Public Libraries, to whom I pitched the idea of this book some six years ago. Her enthusiasm led the board of directors of the Roanoke Public Library Foundation to fund this project. I am deeply grateful to members of the library staff who gave me tremendous support, specifically Nathan Flinchum, Edwina Parks, Macklyn Mosley, and Megan Mizak. Dyron Knick was my Virginia Room liaison throughout the entire project and provided invaluable assistance.

A number of organizations, their staff, and volunteers assisted with the wonderful photographs that enhance this book immeasurably. They were as follows: Fran Ferguson, Alex Burke, and the Library Committee of the Salem Museum and Historical Society; Lynsey Allie and the Historical Society of Western Virginia; Mike McEvoy and Sarah Baumgardner of the Western Virginia Water Authority; Melinda Mayo of the City of Roanoke; Caitlyn Cline of the Roanoke Police Department; Lt. Travis Collins of Roanoke Fire-EMS; Beth Harris, archivist at Hollins University; Bev Fitzpatrick Jr. and Deena Sasser of the Virginia Museum of Transportation; Charles Price and the Harrison Museum of African American Culture; Judy Cunningham and the Vinton Historical Society; Brett Robbins and the Salem VA Medical Center; the Norfolk & Western Historical Society; Virginia Tech Libraries; Belinda Harris and Carilion Clinic; Huntington Court United Methodist Church; Kevin Meadows and Grandin Court Baptist Church; Dave Skole and Christ Evangelical Lutheran Church; Harry S. Truman Presidential Library; Mike Stevens and the City of Salem; and the Norfolk-Southern Foundation.

I am grateful to the members of the general public for contributing personal photographs for the book. They were Steve Nelson, Ed Bennett, Bob Kinsey, Ralph Berrier Jr., Edwina Parks, Betty Jean Wolfe, Roy Minnix, Mattie Forbes, John Ewald, Frank Ewald, Marshall Harris, Bob Stauffer, Mitch Drumm, Tommy Firebaugh, Raymond Hall, Judy Cunningham, and Benton Hopper.

George Kegley, Roanokes premier local historian, read the manuscript in advance and provided much-needed grammatical suggestions and general advice. His friendship of many years is a treasure.

Finally, I am indebted to the wonderful editors at History Press who shepherded this work through the publishing process, among them Kate Jenkins.